This bill amends the existing law governing toll rates on the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan. It introduces new provisions for toll rate adjustments at designated turnpike plazas, which will be set by the commissioner of transportation with the governor and council's approval. The bill specifies that toll rates for cash transactions and vehicles not on a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account will increase based on vehicle classification and specific toll plazas, with detailed rates effective January 1, 2027. Additionally, it establishes a framework for periodic toll adjustments linked to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's projected inflation index and mandates that toll revenues be deposited into a separate account for the turnpike system's exclusive use.

Furthermore, the bill proposes new toll rates for various vehicle classes at multiple locations, including Hooksett, Bedford, Hampton, Dover, and Rochester, while also providing free New Hampshire E-Z Pass transponders for 210 days to individuals who open or maintain a funded E-Z Pass account. It repeals RSA 237:11, V, which previously offered an E-Z Pass discount on established tolls. The estimated fiscal impact includes an increase in revenue for the Turnpike Fund, projected to reach $27.7 million in FY 2027 and $56.8 million by FY 2029, while the Department of Transportation anticipates expenditures of approximately $232,960 in FY 2027 for software changes and transponder issuance. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with the transponder provision starting earlier on December 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 237:9, 237:11
As Amended by the Senate: 237:9, 228:99, 237:11
As Amended by the House: 237:9, 237:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 237:9, 237:11
SB627 text: 237:9, 237:11